Edinburgh – Architecture firm Projects Office has purposely eschewed medical cues in refreshing a space for young people receiving mental wellbeing treatment.
It is behind the welcoming update of a design-led unit for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. Intentionally avoiding conventional medical cues, Projects Office considers the unit to be a ‘healing space’ rather than a hospital. Through geometric shapes, curves and gender-neutral colours, the environment encourages play and relaxed interactions, alongside private areas for conversation.
To inform the interior, Projects Office worked directly with children, parents, clinicians and carers. ‘At a time of stretched NHS funding and increased demand for mental health services, we believe that good design is a powerful and cost-effective healing tool,’ says James Christian, architect and co-founder. ‘We also believe that asking patients, staff and parents what they really need and want from healthcare spaces leads to richer, more useful spaces.’
With growing demand for mental health services – in particular for young people – Modern Therapy responses are emerging to better meet their needs.